Dry bottle drainage system

ABSTRACT

A pressure regulator including high and low pressure chambers separated by a divider having an opening, a closing member biassed to a closing position for closing the opening with a biassing force according to a desired pressure differential between the chambers, and a damping device for damping the resulting force on the closing member. There is also disclosed a fluid drainage system having a suction chamber with a suction regulator, and various arrangements of diaphragms for measuring pressure differentials. An anti-spill device for the draining system is disclosed as well.

This is a continuation of co-pending application Ser. No. 642,564 filedon Aug. 20, 1984, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,715,855, issued on Dec. 29, 1987.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to fluid pressure regulating systems, includingsystems for measuring gas pressure and for controlling the pressure ofthe gas. The invention further relates to wound drainage systems fordraining fluids from medical patients, such as from the chest cavity, bymeans of gas pressure differentials using low pressure gas systems.

In many situations involving gases, it is important and often mandatoryto measure the pressure of the gas. A typical example of the need tomeasure gas pressure exists in hospitals, where the vacuum or suctiondistributed in the hospital from a central vacuum supply must bemonitored as it is used. Such suction is used, for example, inconjunction with wound drainage devices, where fluids such as blood,water and gas from a wound victim's pleural cavity are withdrawn using apressure differential established between the suction source and theinternal pressure in the victim. Such suction pressure and pressuredifferentials must be precisely measured because of the dangerousconditions which could result if unduly high or low pressuredifferentials should occur. In this application as in many otherpressure measuring applications, it is desirable to incorporate apressure measuring device which is compact, which makes the pressuremeasurements with precision, which is capable of functioning reliablyfor long periods of time, and which is economical to manufacture.Presently available gas pressure measuring devices which have thedesired reliability and precision are generally expensive because oftheir intricacy or bulk due to their incorporation of manometer tubes.Wound drainage systems incorporating manometers having water whose levelindicates fluid pressure are inconvenient because of the need to addwater prior to use, as well as because of their size and weight.

For many years, a standard apparatus for performing the evacuation ofthe pleural cavity was an underwater seal drainage system known as the"3-bottle set-up". The 3-bottle set-up consists of a collection bottle,a water seal bottle and a suction control bottle. A catheter runs fromthe patient's pleural cavity to the collection bottle, and the suctionbottle is connected by a tube to a suction source. The three bottles areconnected in series by various tubes to apply a predetermined suction tothe pleural cavity to withdraw fluid and air, and discharge the sameinto the collection bottle. Gases entering the collection bottle bubblethrough water in the water seal bottle. The water in the water seal alsoprevents the back flow of air into the chest cavity.

The 3-bottle set-up lost favor with the introduction of an underwaterseal drainage system sold under the name "Pleur-evac" in 1966 byDeknatel Inc., the predecessor of the Deknatel Division of HowmedicaInc. U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,363,626; 3,363,627; 3,559,647; 3,683,913;3,782,497; 4,258,824; and Re. 29,877 are directed to various aspects ofthe Pleur-evac system which has been marketed over the years. ThePleur-evac system provided improvements that eliminated variousshortcomings of the 3-bottle set-up. These improvements have includedthe elimination of variations in the 3-bottle set-up that existedbetween different manufacturers, hospitals, and hospital laboratories,such variations including bottle size, tube length and diameter, stoppermaterial and the like. Various inefficiencies and dangers have existedin the 3-bottle set-up resulting from the many separate components andthe large number (usually 16 or 17) of connections, such as pneumothoraxwhich may result from the loss of the water seal in the water sealbottle if suction were temporarily disconnected, and possible build-upsof positive pressure which could cause tension pneumothorax and possiblemediastanal shift. Another serious shortcoming of the 3-bottle set up isdanger of incorrect connection and the time necessary to set the systemup and to monitor its operation.

Among the features of the Pleur-evac system which provide its improvedperformance are employment of 3-bottle techniques in a single,pre-formed, self-contained unit. The desired values of suction areestablished by the levels of water in the suction control bottle and thewater seal bottle, which levels are filled according to specified valuesprior to the application of the system to the patient. A special valvereferred to as the "High Negativity Valve" is included which floatsclosed when the patient's negativity becomes sufficient to threaten lossof the water seal. Also, a "Positive Pressure Release Valve" in thelarge arm of the water seal chamber works to prevent a tensionpneumothorax when pressure in the large arm of the water seal exceeds aprescribed value because of suction malfunction, accidental clamping orocclusion of the suction tube. The Pleur-evac system is disposable andhelps in the battle to control cross-contamination.

Despite the advantages of the Pleur-evac system over the 3-bottle set-upand the general acceptance of the device in the medical community, therehas remained a continuing need to improve the convenience andperformance of chest drainage systems and to render such systems verycompact. Underwater seal drainage systems as described above require thefilling of manometer tubes to levels specified by the physician prior tobeing connected to the patient and the hospital suction system. Althoughit is conceivable that such filling could be performed at amanufacturing facility prior to shipment, as a practical matter thiswould not suffice because frequent adjustments are needed according tothe different values of patient suction as dictated by the attendingphysician. Moreover, the presence of fluid in the various tubes couldresult in damage to the system during shipment such as because offreezing temperatures or because of leakage. In addition, accuracy ofpresent underwater drainage systems is limited in that the filling ofthe manometers and the reading of the various gauges must be donevisually by observing the liquid level in the respective chambers. Areduction in size of the system would offer such benefits as ease ofuse, ease of storage, less expensive shipping costs, and the reductionin the obstruction between the patient, his or her visitors and themedical staff.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved device forregulating the pressure of a gas in one space relative to the pressureof a gas in another space which is communicatable with the first space.

A more specific object is to regulate the pressure of a suction chamberrelative to the atmosphere by means of an economical yet effectivedevice.

Another object of the invention is to provide a gas pressure regulatingdevice including an opening through which high pressure air can flowfrom one space to a second space at a lower pressure, and means forselectively closing the opening in a smooth manner.

It is another object of the invention to provide an improved system fordraining fluid from a portion of the body which can be constructed in acompact and light manner without resort to liquid pressure regulating ormonitoring means.

Yet a further object of the invention is the provision of a chestdrainage system capable of regulating and measuring suction pressure inan economical, light and effective manner.

An additional object is to provide a system for draining fluid from thebody, and for measuring gas flow from the body in an economical andeffective manner.

A still further object is to provide a system for draining fluid from abody portion, and for measuring patient negativity in an economical andefficient manner.

It is an object of the invention to provide a system of the precedingtype which further can measure maximum patient negativity in anefficient and effective manner.

A further object of the invention is to provide a liquid collectiondevice for reducing the likelihood of spilling liquid collected therein,which device is of simple yet effective construction.

It is a general object of the invention to provide the systems anddevices as described above which are practicable, light, compact, andefficient in operation. Other objects will be apparent from thedescription set forth below and from the appended claims.

The invention in its preferred form includes a pressure regulatorincluding adjoining compartments having an atmospheric pressure chamber,a suction chamber, a divider separating the chambers and having anopening rendering the chambers in communication, a closing member in thesuction chamber biased to a position for closing the opening with aforce according to the desired suction in the suction chamber, and adamping device for dampening the resultant force on the closing member.The invention in its preferred form includes a fluid drainage systemincluding a suction chamber and a fluid collection chamber, the suctionpressure being regulated by a device such as the foregoing, and meansfor measuring gas flowing through the collection chamber to the suctionchamber such as by a flap valve with a dial connected thereto, or aventuri interconnecting the foregoing chambers with a measuring tubeassembly connected to the throat of the venturi, or by simply measuringthe pressure differential between the chambers. The invention furtherincludes in its preferred form diaphragm assemblies wherein flexing of adiaphragm operates pressure measuring means. Additionally, the inventionin its preferred form provides a liquid collection container wherein afluid conduit in a first chamber has its lowest entrance portion at thehorizontal center of gravity of the first chamber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a chest drainage system according tothe invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a suction regulator according to theinvention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a device according to the invention formeasuring suction pressure in suction chambers such as those of thedevices in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a modified version of the device shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a modified version of the system depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 shows in schematic form a modified version of the venturi deviceshown in the system of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a device for measuring patientnegativity and maximum patient negativity in drainage systems such asthose of FIGS. 1 and 5.

FIG. 8 shows in schematic form a wound drainage system according to theinvention incorporating the devices shown in FIGS. 1, 6 and 7.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram, in perspective, of an anti-spill deviceaccording to the invention.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are side and front views, respectively, of the deviceshown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of the system of FIG. 8, modified toinclude an anti-spill device of the type shown in FIGS. 9-11.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, a wound drainage system 1 is disclosed comprising asuction chamber 3 from which air can be evacuated by an external vacuumsource such as a centrally located vacuum pump in a hospital, a suctionport 4 for interconnecting chamber 3 with the external vacuum source, asuction regulator 5 for controlling the pressure in chamber 3, a suctionmeasuring device 6, a collection chamber 7 for collecting fluidswithdrawn from a patient, and an inlet port 9 for connecting chamber 7to the patient. A patient airflow flap valve 11 mounted on a hinge 13extends over a patient air flow port 15 between collection chamber 7 andsuction chamber 3. Air evacuated from a patient through inlet port 9passes through port 15 whenever the pressure in chamber 7 exceeds thatin chamber 3, and the extent of that air flow is reflected by the amountflap valve 11 opens. Valve 11 is configured to close and seal port 15when the pressure in suction chamber 3 exceeds that in collectionchamber 7. A dial 17 mounted on a pivot 19 and movable by a push rod 18attached to flap valve 11 cooperates with a calibrated scale 21 toindicate the patient air flow rate (generally in liters per minute)through port 15 according to the extent valve 11 opens. When it is apleural chest cavity being drained, the patient air flow is usually theresult of air flowing through a hole in the patient's lung into chamber7. Suction chamber 3 communicates with suction regulator 5 via a passage77.

Occasionally, as when a hole in the patient's lung closes during thedrainage process, chamber 7 develops a pressure even more negative thanthe control suction of suction chamber 3, and flap valve 11 locks shutto isolate the two chambers from each other. It is important for themedical personnel to know the extent of that negativity, and a patientnegativity measuring device 23 is provided for this purpose. Device 23includes a patient negativity diaphragm 25 extending over an opening inthe outer wall of chamber 7, a push rod 26 attached to diaphragm 25 anda dial 27 mounted on a pivot 29 movable by push rod 26 for cooperatingwith an appropriately calibrated scale 31. When the atmospheric pressureoutside of chamber 7 exceeds the air pressure in chamber 7, diaphragm 25flexes inwardly, rotating dial 29 clockwise according to the amount thediaphragm flexes to measure and indicate the extent of patientnegativity. The pivot point of dial 27 or the connection point to pushrod 26 can be equipped with a spring to urge the dial back to its zeroposition if a non-linkage connection is preferred.

The regulation and measurement of the suction in chamber 3 are importantfunctions of system 1. Suction regulator 5 for performing thesefunctions is shown both in FIG. 1 and in further detail (in slightlymodified form) as regulator 5' in FIG. 2. (The suction regulator in FIG.2 is shown as an independent unit which would be modified for aparticular application such as incorporation in the system of FIG. 1.)Suction regulator 5 includes a wall 41; a horizontal partition 43dividing regulator 5 into an upper chamber 45 and a lower chamber 47; anopening 49 in partition 43 in which is seated a collar 51, the collarbeing a section of a sphere and having a diameter which increases fromtop to bottom; a light ball 53 whose diameter is slightly more than thediameter of the sphere of which collar 51 is a section so that the ballcan fit and be seated in the collar but not pass upwardly through it; acantilever support arm 55 having a threaded bore through which extends athreaded bolt 57 with an adjustment knob 58 (which could have detents toavoid accidental changes) and disposed on a support shelf 59; a verticalguide rod 60 mounted between shelf 59 and the top wall of the unit forextending through a smooth bore in arm 55 to guide the vertical movementof arm 55; a spring 61 attached at one end to a flange 63 on ball 53 andat its other end to support arm 55 for biassing ball 53 upwardly; and adashpot 65 composed of a piston 67 attached to ball 53 and a cylinder 69receiving the piston in sliding engagement and mounted on a supportblock 71 by means of a pivot 73. Collar 51 preferably includes a set ofnotches 72 for enhancing the stabilizing effect of collar 51 on ball 53as air flows between the collar and the ball. A piston chamber 74 isdefined between the head of piston 67 and the closed bore of cylinder69. Atmospheric air flow at pressure P_(A) enters chamber 45 through anentrance port 75. Lower chamber 47 includes an entrance port 77 from achamber 103 at subatmospheric pressure such as the pressure ofcollection chamber, and is connected to the hospital suction sourcethrough a port 79 at pressure P_(S). The path of flow is shown by thedotted arrows "a".

The gauge pressure in suction chamber 3 is measured by negative pressuregauge 6 which is shown in detail in FIG. 3. Gauge 6 includes a diaphragm81 which covers an opening 83 in wall 41 between the upper chamber(which is at atmospheric pressure) of suction regulator 5 and gauge 6(which is located in suction chamber 3), and a push rod 85 attached atone end to diaphragm 81 and at its other end to a dial 87. Push rod 85should be light in weight to avoid drooping of the diaphragm. Dial 87 ismounted on a pivot 89 and has a free end which is movable across anegative pressure scale 91 shown calibrated in cm. of water. Diaphragm81 flexes as shown in dotted lines according to the pressuredifferential between the pressure in chamber 3 and atmospheric pressureP_(A) in chamber 45 (i.e. gauge pressure), and such flexure is reflectedin the linear movement of push rod 85. Push rod 85 in turn pivots dial87 about pivot 89 to reflect the negative pressure on scale 91. (If theshort end of the dial lever arm 87 which is shown below pivot 89 isdoubled back to extend in the same direction from pivot 89 as the longpart of dial 87, the direction of movement of the dial and itscorresponding scale can be reversed. Also, the direct coupling of thepush rod to the dial for effecting dial rotation could be replaced withmagnetic drag between the end of the dial and the diaphragm push rod.Likewise, the push rod and dial could be connected through a gear trainwith the gear ratio set to any value to accomodate different deflectionor diaphragm sensitivities expected under different parameters.)

The operation of suction regulator 5' as depicted in FIG. 2 will now beexplained. During the operation of system 1, the attendant will haveselected some desired negative pressure in chamber 3. Knob 58 is turnedto raise or lower cantilever arm 55 to achieve a desired elongation ofspring 61 according to the negative pressure sought. Normally, thepressure in upper chamber 45 will exceed the pressure in chamber 47, andthe resultant force F_(A) from atmospheric pressure P_(A) applied overthe exposed surface area A_(A) of ball 53 in chamber 45 exceeds theresultant force F_(S) from the negative or suction pressure P_(S)applied over the area A_(S) of ball 53 in chamber 47. However, as longas the upward forces F_(X) of spring 61 and F_(S) exceed F_(A), theresultant force F_(R) (=F_(X) -(F_(A) -F_(S))) is upward and it causesball 53 to remain seated in collar 51 to seal off chamber 47. WheneverF_(R) is downward because the atmospheric pressure force F_(A) exceedsthe combined spring force F_(X) and suction force F_(S), ball 53 isunseated and atmospheric air flows through opening 49 until theresultant force F_(R) is again upward and ball 53 returns to its seatedposition. The following indicates the various force values:

    ______________________________________                                        F.sub.X = Kx     where F.sub.X = spring force                                                  K = spring constant                                                           x = spring deflection                                        F.sub.A A.sub.A P.sub.A                                                                        where F.sub.A = atmospheric                                                   air pressure force on                                                         ball 53                                                                       A.sub.A = area of the portion                                                 of ball 53 in chamber                                                         45                                                                            P.sub.A = atmospheric pressure                               F.sub.S A.sub.S P.sub.S                                                                        where F.sub.S = suction air                                                   pressure force on                                                             ball 53                                                                       A.sub.S = area of the portion                                                 of ball 53 in chamber                                                         47                                                                            P.sub.S = suction air pressure                               F.sub.R = F.sub.X - (F.sub.A - F.sub.S)                                                        where F.sub.R is the resultant of the                                         preceeding forces                                            ______________________________________                                    

The foregoing force analysis is actually slightly simplified since therespective forces are integrals of the respective vertical pressurecomponents over the surfaces of the ball to which those pressures areapplied.

Suction regulator 5 as described thus far would provide for the rapidmodulation of ball 53 as the pressure differential across it varies. Inorder to reduce this modulation, dashpot 65 is provided. Thus, whenresultant force F_(R) becomes downward, ball 53 does not immediately popopen. Rather, the downward movement of ball 53 urges piston 67downwardly to compress the air in piston chamber 74. The downwardmovement of piston 67 is slowed down, since air in chamber 74 compressesslowly and air can only leak out between piston 67 and the inner wall ofcylinder 69 slowly. Likewise, when the resultant force F_(R) is upward,the movement of ball 53 from its open to its closed position is alsoslowed down. The air leakage about cylinder 69 reduces the effect offriction between the cylinder wall and piston 67.

When the negative pressure or suction in the lower chamber of thesuction regulator is great, a modified suction regulator 5" shown inFIG. 4 is provided according to the invention. This arrangement is veryadvantageous, because it avoids the drag which could be imposed onpiston 67 without a sufficient movement of air around the piston whichacts as a lubricant for the piston. In FIG. 4, like parts in the deviceof FIG. 2 are given like numerals, and reference is made to the previousdiscussion for a description of them. The main difference betweensuction regulators 5 and 5" lies in the location of the respectivedashpots. In regulator 5", a dashpot 65' is located in atmosphericpressure chamber 45, and includes a piston 67', a cylinder 69' having apiston chamber 74', a support block 71' and a pivot 73' on whichcylinder 69' is mounted. Dashpot 65' functions in the manner of dashpot69, but the increased air flow about piston 67' can avoid the dragreferred to above.

As noted above, suction regulators 5' and 5" can be incorporated insystems such as that in FIG. 1, but they also could be incorporated inother chest drainage systems, and in other systems where gas suctionmust be regulated. For example, such suction regulators could be used atthe various parts of a hospital suction system having various ductsserviced by a centrally located suction pump. Since variations of theforces are linear with regard to the change in spring length (F=Kx) andair pressure (F=PA), adjustments to spring 61 can be made easily toaccomodate changes in ambient pressure. The suction regulator accordingto the invention can also be used for regulating pressures above ambientpressure, such as by admitting atmospheric air to lower chamber 47 andconnecting the upper chamber to a source of higher than atmosphericpressure gas. In the latter case, higher than atmospheric pressure gascould be bled to the atmosphere as required. Although the foregoingtechniques have been described with a seated ball whose position isvaried as the pressure differential across it varies, these techniquescould be used with other gas port closing means such as hinged doors.

Referring next to FIG. 5, a modified wound drainage system according tothe invention is shown. The latter system includes a suction source port4 as described earlier, a suction regulator 5' like that of FIG. 1 butlacking suction measuring device 6, a suction chamber 3' and acollection chamber 7' similar to the chambers 3 and 7, respectively, ofFIG. 1, and an inlet port 9. A scale 93 calibrated in negative pressure(suction) values is provided for cooperation with cantilever arm 55 toenable the setting of the force of spring 61 according to the desiredsuction in chamber 3'. In order to measure patient air flow, a venturidevice 101 is provided. Device 101 includes a venturi tube 103 havinginlet and outlet ports 105 and 107, respectively, and a throat 109. AnL-shaped tube 111 opens into throat 109, having a constriction 113 nearits vertical base and a light ball 115 disposed in the tube betweenconstriction 113 and throat 109. The level of ball 115 in tube 111 isindicative of the flow rate of air through venturi tube 103, and a scale117 is calibrated to show the value of that air flow rate. Because ofthe pressure differential between suction chamber 3' and collectionchamber 7', air from the patient flows into port 9, through venturi tube103, into chamber 3' and out port 4. As the air flows through throat109, the air velocity increases and its pressure drops in the throat,the pressure drop being directly proportional to the rate of air flow.Ball 115 assumes a level in tube 111 according to the air pressuredifferential between throat 109 and chamber 7' and the air flow can beread from scale 117.

A modified version of the venturi tube device is shown in FIG. 6. Here,the vertical tube and ball arrangement is replaced with a diaphragmassembly. A venturi tube assembly 101' is thus provided which includes aventuri tube 103' having an inlet 105' and outlet 107', and a throat109'. An L-shaped tube 111' communicates with throat 109' and isconnected to a chamber 119. Patient air flow is measured by a patientair flow gauge 120. Gauge 120 includes a diaphragm 121 mounted in anopening in one of the walls defining chamber 119, diaphragm 121 flexingto the dotted line position according to the extent of a pressuredifferential between the low pressure in chamber 119 and the higherpressure in chamber 7'. A rod 123 is attached to diaphragm 121 and ismovable therewith as shown by the arrow. A dial 125 is attached to theend of rod 123 by means of a swivel joint 127, and is rotatable about apivot 129 in response to movement of diaphragm 121. A scale 131 isdisposed adjacent the free end of dial 125 and is calibrated to indicatethe pressure air flow rate in liters per minute according to theposition of dial 125.

As mentioned earlier, it is often important to detect patient negativity(sub-atmospheric pressure in the patient) and store the maximum value ofpatient negativity. A mechanism 151 for providing these measurements isdepicted in FIG. 7. This mechanism includes walls defining a collectionchamber 7" which communicates through port 9 with the source of thepressure being measured in the patient, an atmospheric pressure chamber153 which communicates with the ambient air through a port 155, and awall 157 between chambers 7" and 153 and having an opening which issealed by a diaphragm 159. A rod 161 is attached to and has components162 and 163 extending in opposite directions from diaphragm 159.Diaphragm 159 is flexible and moves between the unflexed position shownin solid lines and the flexed position shown in dotted lines. Rodportion 162 is attached to a dial 165 by means of a swivel joint 167,and rod portion 163 terminates in an upstanding flange 169. Dial 165rotates clockwise about a pivot 171 in response to the flexing ofdiaphragm 159, and a scale 173 at the free end of dial 165 indicates theinstantaneous patient negativity in appropriate units such as -cm. ofwater.

A dial 175 is pivotally mounted on a pivot mechanism 177 which retainsthe dial in its position of maximum (clockwise) rotation. Mechanism 177can for example be a ratchet device. Flange 169 engages the lower end ofdial 175 and rotates the dial in the clockwise direction when diaphragm159 flexes according to the amount by which the atmospheric pressure inchamber 153 exceeds the patient pressure in chamber 7". A knob 179 isprovided for releasing dial 177 to allow its resetting to 0. A scale 181preferably calibrated in the manner of scale 173 cooperates with dial175 to indicate the maximum patient negativity during any period of timeprior to the release of dial 175 by knob 179.

A chest drainage system 201 incorporating suction regulator 5 used withsuction measuring device 6 of FIG. 1, patient air flow gauge 120 of FIG.6, and the patient negativity and maximum patient negativity measuringdevice of FIG. 7, is shown in FIG. 8. To operate system 201, port 4 isconnected to the suction source, and the user rotates knob 58 to presetcantilever arm 55 to adjust the length of spring 61 according to thesuction setting desired. Appropriate tubing from the patient's pleuralcavity is connected to inlet 9. When the gas pressure in the pleuralcavity is greater than the pressure in suction chamber 3, gas flows intoinlet 9, through tube 103 from which it exists via a one way valve 203,and out suction port 4. The negative or suction pressure in suctionchamber 3 results in the deflection of diaphragm 81, and the value ofthe suction pressure is indicated by the position of dial 87 on scale 91of gauge 6. The patient air flow is reflected in the amount ofdeflection of diaphragm 121 of patient air flow gauge 120, and thismeasurement is indicated by the position of dial 125 on scale 131. Ifthe pressure in the patient's pleural cavity is subatmospheric,diaphragm 159 flexes to the left as viewed in FIG. 7, and this resultsin the clockwise rotation of dial 165. The value of patient negativityis reflected in the position of dial 165 on scale 173. The maximumnegativity is shown by the position of dial 175 on scale 181.

Chest drainage system 201 includes a negativity release valve 205. Thisvalve vents atmospheric air into collection chamber 7" when the patientnegativity exceeds the closing bias on valve 205. Valve 205 can beadjusted by means of spring tension in the manner of regulator 5, aweighted ball if a fixed value is acceptable, or a button actuatedrelease. When the patient negativity is less than (i.e. more negative)the suction in suction chamber 3, air cannot flow from the suctionchamber into tube 103 because one way valve 203 closes tube 103. Apositive pressure vent 207 is provided to open suction chamber 3 to theatmosphere to avoid a build-up of positive pressure air (i.e. aboveatmospheric pressure air) in chamber 3 should there be a failure of thesuction source. The drainage systems, suction regulators and otherdevices provided by the present invention offer numerous advantages overthe prior art. The system in its various forms is dry, and thus avoidsthe various shortcomings of the systems relying on water for regulatingand measuring the various pressure values. The system and its componentsare of very simple construction, contributing to the ease ofmanufacture, use and general economy thereof. The system and itscomponents are compact and light, rendering it easy to store and use.Yet, despite its simplicity, it is highly effective in use.

It would be advantageous to reduce the likelihood of spill-over of fluidaccumulated in the collection chamber of the systems described above aswell as in such systems as the Pleur-evac mentioned earlier. Suchspill-over involves the spilling of fluids from the collection chamberinto adjoining chambers of a wound drainage system. It can occur becauseof the tilting, shaking or dropping of the chest drainage unit bypersons attending the patient, or because the unit, the patient or thepatient's bed is moved excessively. The device described below addressesthe spill-over problem.

Referring first to FIG. 12, a system 302 very similar to chest drainagesystem 201 of FIG. 8 is shown. However, the single collection chamber ofsystem 201 has been replaced by three collection chambers 303, 305 and307 as described below, a relocated port 155' to the atmosphere isprovided, and a passage 308 for connecting the unit to the patientreplaces port 9 from systems described previously.

Referring next to FIGS. 9-11, anti-spill device 301 pursuant to anaspect of the invention is shown. Device 301 is composed of verticalside walls 309, 311 and 313, which with a bottom wall 315, a top wall317, rear wall 319 and a front wall 321 define adjoining prismatic fluidcollection chambers 303 and 305. A fluid entrance port 310 is located intop wall 317. A triangular conduit 323 extends perpendicularly from atriangular opening 325 in side wall 311. Conduit 323 is composed of sidewalls 327 and 329, and a top wall 331. The lowermost entrance to conduit323 is a point 333 at the juncture of walls 327 and 329 and an imaginaryplane across that entrance. Point 333 is located midway both betweenrear wall 319 and front wall 321 and a distance "1" from side wall 309.The measurement "1" is optional but is chosen to move point 333 as closeas possible to side wall 309 without interfering with fluid flow, bloodclots or the like. Since the diameter of the entrance tubes is normallyin the range of 3/8", the minimum length of "1" will be comparable withthat dimension as well. The positioning of the lowest entrance point ofthe conduit from chamber 303 to chamber 305 effectively enables themaximum amount of rotation of chamber 303 in either the x-axis or z-axisfor any given amount of fluid in chamber 303 before there can be anyspill-over of fluid from chamber 303 to chamber 305. In order tomaintain a predetermined maximum angle of tilt or rotation beforespilling occurs (angle of anti-spill tilt) as the fluid level rises inchamber 303, the minimum distance of point 333 below upper wall 317 willdepend on, and can be calculated from, the other dimensions of chamber303.

The manner in which the construction of the device 301 reduces spillageof fluid from chamber 303 is shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. Referring firstto FIG. 10, chamber 303 is shown tilted such that rear wall 319 is at anangle θ from horizontal, angle 90-θ being the maximum amount of tiltpermissible in that axis for preventing spilling of the fluid in chamber303 under all conditions of fluid level. Walls 327 and 329 intersect atan angle 2θ. Collection chamber 303 can be rotated by an angle 90°-θabout an axis perpendicular to wall 309 before any fluid can enterconduit 323 and flow out of chamber 303. Were point 333 any closer toeither of walls 319 or 321, spill-over would occur sooner for rotationin one direction or the other. By decreasing the angle of intersectionof walls 327 and 329, the greater the amount chamber 303 can be tiltedbefore spill-over begins. The distance of point 333 from top wall 317for a maximum permissible amount of rotation or tilt of chamber 303 justprior to spillage can be calculated as follows: ##EQU1## where 90-θ=max.angle of rotation of chamber 303 about the z axis before spillage asshown in FIG. 10

w=distance between side walls 319 and 321

d=the minimum distance of point 333 from top wall 317 for a givenmaximum angle of rotation at original maximum fluid level.

If point 333 were any closer to top wall 317 than d, the fluid wouldhave insufficient room to travel up side wall 319 (or wall 321) and thefluid would be forced to the right (or left) before rotation of 90°-θhad occurred. That is, spillage would occur sooner than if point 333were located closer to the top wall than at the distance d as calculatedabove.

With regard to FIG. 11, it can be seen that chamber 303 can be rotatedaround the x-axis well in excess of the indicated tilt angle φ beforeany fluids enter conduit 323 leading to the adjacent collection chamber305. As indicated earlier, by moving point 333 closer to side wall 309,the amount chamber 303 can be rotated clockwise about an axisperpendicular to wall 321 (x-axis) is increased, in fact, if thecalculation for d (as derived above) is satisifed, φ can be increased to90° with no danger of spillover. However, for counterclockwise rotation,fluid would begin entering the conduit sooner but would not spill overinto chamber 305 until the fluid level exceeds point 335. Finally,should fluid entering the conduit in any way pose a problem for certainapplications, the conduit length could be shortened to lie midwaybetween walls 309 and 311 and a geometric/trigonometric relationship canbe formulated for rotation about the x-axis similar to that for rotationabout the z-axis. In this case, point 333 is situated at the horizontalcenter of gravity of chamber 303.

FIGS. 9-11 show the collection chamber arrangement to include twochambers. Any number of chambers can be arranged adjacent each otherwith spill-over reducing conduits 323 provided therein. In FIG. 12,three such chambers 303, 305, and 307 are provided, with chambers 303and 305 having spill-over reduction conduits 323 and 337, respectively,incorporated therein.

Referring again to FIG. 12, another means for indicating patient airflow is shown. Accordingly, a diaphragm 327 is provided in the wallseparating the collection chamber and suction chamber 3. A conduit 329having a one way valve 203 is also provided in that wall. Air flowfollows the path shown by the dotted arrow "a". Since the transport ofair and the volume of flow are always associated with a pressuredifferential, diaphragm 327 flexes according to a pressure differentialacross it to indicate patient air flow on gauge 120 as discussedearlier.

The invention has been described in detail with particular emphasis onthe preferred embodiments thereof, but it should be understood thatvariations and modifications within the spirit and scope of theinvention may occur to those skilled in the art to which the inventionpertains.

We claim:
 1. A system for draining fluids from a portion of the body,said system comprising:collection means for receiving fluids from thebody, said collection means including an inlet port for admitting fluidsfrom the body to said collection means; a suction chamber communicatablewith said collection means, said suction chamber being connectable to asuction source of a suction pressure level; a suction regulator forestablishing a desired pressure in said suction chamber, said suctionregulator including a first compartment having a first chambercommunicating with the atmosphere; a second compartment having a secondchamber communicating with said suction chamber and having an outlet forconnecting said second compartment and the suction source; firstdividing means dividing said first chamber from said second chamber,said first dividing means including an opening for putting said secondchamber in communication with said first chamber; first closing meansmovable between an opening position for opening said opening to admitair at atmospheric pressure into said second chamber, and a closingposition for closing said opening to prevent the passage of air atatmospheric pressure into said second chamber; and biasing means formoving said closing means to the closed position when the pressure insaid suction chamber exceeds said desired pressure to preferentiallyapply said suction pressure level to said suction chamber when thepressure in said suction chamber is greater than said desired pressure,and said closing means moving to said open position when the pressure insaid suction chamber is less than said desired pressure.
 2. Theinvention according to claim 1 wherein said first compartment is locatedabove said second compartment, said closing means is disposed in saidfirst chamber.
 3. The invention according to claim 2 wherein saidbiasing means comprises a spring having a spring force adjustableaccording to the desired pressure in said suction chamber.
 4. Theinvention according to claim 1 wherein said opening is generallycircular and said closing means is of generally spherical configuration.5. The invention according to claim 4 and further including a collardefining said opening, said closing means engaging said collar andclosing said opening when said closing means is in the closing position.6. The invention according to claim 1 and further including suctionmeasuring means for measuring the pressure in said suction chamber, saidsuction measuring means comprising:diaphragm means disposed in aninterface between said suction chamber and said first compartment, saiddiaphragm means flexing by an amount proportional to the gauge pressurein said suction chamber.
 7. The invention according to claim 6 andfurther comprising:dial means operatively connected to said diaphragmmeans and movable in response to the flexing of said diaphragm means;and a measuring scale for cooperating with said dial means to indicatethe gauge pressure in said suction chamber.
 8. The invention accordingto claim 1 and further including:patient negativity diaphragm means forflexing in proportion to the amount of patient negativity.
 9. Theinvention according to claim 1 and further including:collection chamberseparating means for separating said collection chamber from the ambientatmosphere, patient negativity diaphragm means located in saidcollection chamber separating means for flexing in proportion to patientnegativity, patient negativity dial means operatively connected to saidpatient negativity diaphragm means for moving according to the flexingof said diaphragm means, and a patient negativity scale calibrated tocooperate with said patient negativity dial means to indicate the valueof patient negativity.
 10. The invention according to claim 1 andfurther including venturi means for admitting gases from said collectionchamber into said suction chamber at a flow rate according to thepressure differential between said collection chamber and said suctionchamber.
 11. The invention according to claim 1 and furtherincluding:collection chamber separating means for separating saidcollection chamber from the ambient atmosphere; patient negativitydiaphragm means disposed in said collection chamber separating means andflexing in proportion to patient negativity; and maximum negativitymeasuring means operatively connected to said patient negativitydiaphragm means for measuring and storing the value of maximum patientnegativity.
 12. The invention according to claim 1 wherein saidcollection means comprises a first container having a collection chamberand a second container, a conduit connecting said collection chamber andsaid second container, said conduit having an entrance with a lowermostentrance portion at the horizontal center of geometry of said collectionchamber.
 13. The invention according to claim 1 wherein the fluid flowpath from said inlet port to said suction source is unrestricted.
 14. Asystem for draining fluids from a portion of the body, said systemcomprising:a first collection chamber for receiving fluids from thebody, said first collection chamber including an inlet for admittingfluids from the body to said first collection chamber; a suction chambercommunicatable with said first collection chamber, said suction chamberbeing connectable to a suction source having a suction pressure; asuction regulator for controlling the pressure in said suction chamber,said suction regulator having an opening for admitting atmospheric airto increase the pressure in said suction chamber and closing means forclosing said opening only when the pressure in said chamber drops to apredetermined level to preferentially apply said suction pressure tosaid suction chamber; wall means separating said suction chamber fromthe ambient atmosphere; a diaphragm disposed in said wall means forflexing according to the gauge pressure in said suction chamber; andindicator means for indicating the gauge pressure in said suctionchamber according to the amount of flexing of said diaphragm.
 15. Theinvention according to claim 14 wherein said first collection chamberhas a horizontal center of gravity; and wherein said system furthercomprises a second collection chamber and a conduit connecting saidfirst and second collection chambers.
 16. A system for draining fluidsfrom a portion of the body, said system comprising:a first collectionchamber for receiving fluids from the body, said first collectionchamber including an inlet port for admitting fluids from the body tosaid first collection chamber; a suction chamber communicatable withsaid first collection chamber, said suction chamber being connectable toa suction source; a suction regulator for controlling the pressure insaid suction chamber, said suction regulator having an opening foradmitting atmospheric air to increase the pressure in said suctionchamber and closing means for closing said opening; means for applying aforce to said closing means to move said closing means to apredetermined position; and, damping means for damping the force appliedby said closing means.
 17. The invention according to claim 16 whereinsaid damping means comprises a dash pot.
 18. The invention according toclaim 16 wherein said predetermined position is a position closing saidopening, and said force applying means comprises biasing means forbiasing said closing means to said closing position.
 19. A system fordraining fluids from a portion of the body, said system comprising:afirst collection chamber for receiving fluids from the body, said firstcollection chamber including a horizontal center of gravity and an inletport for admitting fluids from the body to said first collectionchamber; said conduit including a lowermost entrance portion in saidfirst collection chamber disposed at said horizontal center of gravity;a suction chamber communicatable with said first collection chamber,said suction chamber being connectable to a suction source; a suctionregulator for controlling the pressure in said suction chamber; wallmeans separating said suction chamber from the ambient atmosphere; adiaphragm disposed in said wall means for flexing according to the gaugepressure in said suction chamber; and indicator means for indicating thegauge pressure in said suction chamber according to the amount offlexing of said diaphragm.